Materialism: Where do we draw the line?

I came across an article the other day about vanity sizing. What's vanity sizing? It's ridiculous, that's what it is.

Vanity sizing is basically slapping a smaller size (tag) onto a larger size and passing it off as the correct size. For example, what used to be a size 4 years ago, is now labeled as a size 0. Crazy stuff, huh?

Why is this happening? Apparently the media (and stores alike) want women to feel better about what they're buying. Sure, I can see that. It's a little upsetting when you know you've only gained 5 pounds over Thanksgiving, but none of your clothes fit so you have to wear size 10's. *Dramatic pause* Wait... that's the largest size I've ever worn! Am I fat now? Oh my gosh... what does everyone else think? Do they notice? *Sigh* Let's try to squeeze my butt into a size 8... it'll work! I swear! Wait, are these newly formed love handles? GASP!

Does anyone recognize this thought process? We've all been there, myself included. I remember the days where I was a size 10, and I was afraid to show myself in public because I felt fat. I fit into size 0 and size 1 clothing now, but knowing what I know about vanity sizing, I know I'm not really a size 0. I have curves! Women who are size 0 do not have curves! But, it still makes me feel better knowing that I can "fit into" something so "small".

There are indeed problems that arise with all of this, though. Think about it. Women are fitting into a smaller size than they were in their teens. Is this because they're actually smaller? Nope. But it makes them think they are. They may be overweight or even obese! The number on the scale doesn't matter as much as the number on the tag. That's a scary thought. If a woman (or man, for that matter) needs to lose excess weight because of health issues, but they feel they aren't overweight because the tag told them so, what's the issue? I know you guys can see it. I heard the simultaneous jaw drop across the board.

What are your thoughts on vanity sizing? Is it a good thing or a bad thing? What are the possible effects of it that you've seen? Have you also fallen victim to it?